Alternative Birthing Methods

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True or false- Most health insurance companies provide coverage for doula services

Back

False

Answer explanation

Lack of insurance coverage can be a major barrier for accessing doula services, which can range between $300-$1,200 and includes 1 or more prenatal or postpartum visits, in addition to support during labor and delivery

This lack of coverage especially leaves uninsured or underinsured groups at a disadvantage.

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In the United States, this role is considered a trained medical professional & can provide care prenatally, during birth, and postpartum. They must become a Registered Nurse/RN first, and then complete a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery before becoming certified.

Back

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Answer explanation

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are trained medical professionals. Expecting parents may designate a CNM as their sole healthcare provider, & don't need a

physician present during birth.

Certified Direct Entry Midwives don't need to be RNs & have a narrower scope of practice. They can only provide support during pregnancy, birth and the first 6 weeks postpartum. They can only provide care for out of hospital births, such as at home or in birth centers.

Both typically encourage natural births, but will support medicated births as well.

Front

The practice of midwifery dates back to...

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40,000 B.C.

Answer explanation

The earliest written records of midwifery date back to the era of ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. Midwifery was a woman’s role and considered a highly respected occupation due to the literacy, training, and knowledge required.

Herbal medicines, room setup, positioning the women, and providing emotional support during birth were common midwife responsibilities.

Front

What are some challenges associated with researching midwives and doulas?

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Natural births are hard to study in controlled environments due to varying settings, providers, & maternal preferences; Randomized clinical trials are often not feasible or ethical, especially when comparing midwife led vs hospital births; Studies on doula care vary in caregivers and settings, making standardized comparisons difficult.

Answer explanation

Although all of these choices present challenges in researching midwives and doulas, studies have consistently supported that access to these services improves maternal health outcomes before, during, and after birth

Front

True or false: Midwifery in the 17-18th centuries increased due to male dominance in medicine

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False

Answer explanation

The 17th-18th centuries saw a decline in midwifery due to male dominance in medicine.

Front

What is natural birth?

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The delivery of an infant without medical intervention & focusing on the body's natural process

Front

What are some common reasons why individuals opt out of receiving an epidural?

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Allergies to anesthesia or other drugs used during birth, Existing medical conditions like diabetes, active infections, blood clotting issues, etc, Being too far into labor.

Front

True or false: cultural and language barriers can make it difficult to access midwifery and doula services

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True